Joint Statement - 4th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles, welcomed the Malaysian Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, to Melbourne for the 4th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation on 10 December 2024.

Ministers acknowledged the deep and long-standing defence partnership, which is based on our shared history, trust, mutual respect, and shared commitment to maintaining regional stability, respect for sovereignty, international law and the regional order with ASEAN at its centre.

Ministers appreciated the ongoing practical cooperation and expertise shared for over 30 years of the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program (MAJDP). Ministers welcomed the current breadth and future trajectory of MAJDP with mutually agreed five-year plans to enhance interoperability, capability and infrastructure through a steady tempo of education, training, and exercises. Ministers noted their armed forces successfully exercised together in various parts of Malaysia in 2024. Deputy Prime Minister Marles noted that Malaysian military officers were the largest group of international secondees in the Australian Defence Force and expressed appreciation for their meaningful contribution.

Ministers reaffirmed the shared value of Malaysia’s continued hosting of Australian Defence Force personnel at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Base in Butterworth. Both Ministers agreed on the refurbishment of the Base’s runway to ensure it remains operational and continues to contribute to Malaysia’s security into the future.

Ministers acknowledged the continued contribution made by Rifle Company Butterworth and Operation Gateway that has further deepened defence collaboration between both countries. As maritime nations, Ministers emphasised the importance of a peaceful and stable maritime domain. They committed to strengthening cooperation to enhance maritime domain awareness and maritime security to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving regional security environment.

Ministers signed a Joint Intention on Information Sharing to broaden the topics of information sharing today and commit both countries to explore opportunities to formalise information sharing arrangements into the future.

Ministers provided an update on their countries’ respective defence strategies and noted the value of publicly releasing such documents to promote transparency and invest in strategic reassurance. Deputy Prime Minister Marles looked forward to reading Malaysia’s Defence White Paper – Mid Term Review when released.

Ministers underlined their continued commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which is a unique multilateral arrangement that remains a fundamental element for regional stability. Ministers reflected on the 12th FPDA Defence Ministers’ Meeting’s agreement to enhance the professional value of exercises while retaining their emphasis on high-end conventional exercise serials in our region. Ministers looked forward to both countries progressing this Ministerial commitment at the FPDA Defence Chiefs’ Conference in 2025.

Ministers expressed their support for ASEAN centrality, and ASEAN-led regional architecture that is open, transparent, rules-based and inclusive. Ministers expressed their ongoing support for the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Ministers acknowledged the value of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and its Experts’ Working Groups as means for confidence building and conflict prevention, as well as capacity building. Ministers discussed how Australia’s Defence Partnership of the Future will enhance collective defence cooperation. Ministers discussed Australia’s support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chair Year in 2025.

Ministers reiterated serious concern about developments in the South China Sea that undermine peace, security and stability in the region. Ministers highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law. They encouraged all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may raise the risk of accidents, misunderstanding and miscalculation. They emphasised the need for all States to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They noted that maritime claims must be consistent with UNCLOS. Both Ministers noted that it is important for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to be consistent with international law, including UNCLOS.

Ministers reiterated their commitment to promoting an Indo-Pacific region that is open, stable, inclusive and transparent, underpinned by respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms. They also reiterated the importance of promoting dialogue and practical measures to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation as well as prevent conflict in the region.

Ministers noted that next year marks 80 years since significant World War Two events, when Australian Defence Force personnel and local communities liberated Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, and agreed to hold commemorations.

Ministers looked forward to celebrating 70 years of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia next year and to holding the 5th High Level Committee.